https://www.gnarpowpow.com/tags/sodikart/ Tue 05 May 2026 00:18:08 +0200 https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16960/56-1s-hot-lap-cota-karting-june-2022-layout/
Another track update, another hot lap! Hopefully this gives you all a glimpse into what I could do with on new layout after a couple of sessions. I hope you can learn a thing or two and use it on your next trip to COTA! This layout change is pretty significant, and increases lap times by ~2-3s. The lap record at the time of filming was 54.8. Certainly not a perfect lap. The kart appears to think that straight means turning the wheel to the right 15 degrees...oh well! Filmed on June 8th, 2022. ]]> Tue 05 Jul 2022 12:05:18 +0200 https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16960/56-1s-hot-lap-cota-karting-june-2022-layout/ https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16961/53-3s-hot-lap-cota-karting-january-2022-layout/
This video was filmed on a visit to COTA Karting on Jan. 22, 2022 and features some layout changes to the track since I made the track guide a few months ago. I hope there won't be anymore layout changes so this time can stand for a while....but I'll continue to upload more if it does! :) View the COTA Hot Lap Guide here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N26MHY78cFU&t=57s Since the track guide, changes that make the track quicker include: -Turn 3 curbs have changed position (little closer to the apex now) -Removal of most turn 5 curbs, resulting in a much faster line through that section of the track -No curb at turn 8 -No curb on entry of turn 10 -Turn 11 curbs have been modified -Other various curbs were removed as well with minimal impact to time ]]> Fri 04 Feb 2022 12:05:32 +0200 https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16961/53-3s-hot-lap-cota-karting-january-2022-layout/ https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/17365/kz-vs-honda-shifter-engines-movie/
There is no question that this is the end of the line for the Honda Stock Moto engine; it's been great for many years, but now, with introduction of both the Rok and KZ engines, the Honda is just outdated. Like many folks who are looking at the Shifter/KZ class, I also wonder about the difference in performance. I knew the gap was there, but difference surprised me. ]]> Tue 18 Jan 2022 22:39:31 +0200 https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/17365/kz-vs-honda-shifter-engines-movie/ https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16962/how-to-win-go-karting-tips-from-a-professional-driver-kart-racing-for-beginners2/
Welcome! This UPDATED go karting tips video goes over the fundamentals of driving fast on track! Aimed at beginners, these tips should be helpful to get you started in the world of competitive karting. You guys loved the last video I put out on karting basics, so I decided to do a refresh for 2022...a little better quality this time! :) Enjoy! -Ethan -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro 0:26 The Racing Line 1:57 Kart Control 2:42 Implementation -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transcript! :) Chapter 1: The Racing Line The single most important concept to grasp is the racing line. This is the fastest path around a corner or circuit, and can turn a track from looking like this…into this. At a very very simplified level, the racing line stems from the idea that the less a vehicle turns, the faster it can go. This can sometimes be hard to visualize, so here’s some diagrams I found online. First, here’s what a simplified, geometric racing line is. You start on the outside of the corner, turn into the innermost point (called an “apex”) and fan out to the outside of the track on exit. But why does this work? By pure logic, it’s easy to associate a tighter turn with having to go slower, whereas a wider turn you can take faster. Let’s take a look at this concept in context. An inside line (shown in red), requires you to have a really slow speed to make the corner. You can see the radius to make this turn in a circle is really small. In running, this is the fastest line simply because it covers the least distance, however runners aren’t maximizing the grip of their shoes, they simply take steps at a relatively fixed speed in whatever direction they choose. In racing, we are looking to maximize speed with the grip available, and are almost never concerned with the distance traveled. Therefore, this is the slowest line you can take through this corner. The outside line (shown in blue) is wider, allowing a larger radius which means you can carry more speed than on the inside. But there’s still a much better option (shown in green) which is our racing line. By using all of the track available, the radius of the turn opens dramatically, and you can carry much more speed through the corner. Real quick, lets see this in action: As you can see, I start on the outside edge, turn into the apex, and use all the track on exit. Chapter 2: Kart Control Now that we’ve got the racing line out of the way, let's talk about how to get your kart through it. First off, if you’re trying to go fast, don’t drift. Mario Kart has been lying to you. Yes, drifting is fun. No, it is not fast. The wheels are designed to move in a forward direction. Anything other than that is slow so keep the kart in check. Unless it’s raining where in that case do whatever you want like I did… Second, brake in a straight line. You don't want to end up like this dude. The next tip is to avoid sharp inputs of brakes, throttle, or wheel. Karts aren’t really cut out for slowing down quick or speeding up fast, so keeping a nice, smooth, fluid driving style will keep your speed up through the corners. Chapter 3: Implementation So now you know how to drive fast, but how do you implement these tips efficiently? Well for starters, every track is different, so I would recommend going on youtube and finding an onboard video from your local track that you can use to observe these concepts in action. While at the track, identify drivers that are quicker and follow them to pick up the nuances of your track. If you need help identifying these helpers, they’re likely the ones passing you. Study their lines and learn from the way they drive. Maybe even identify a weakness and improve upon it. Same goes for people who are slower than you. If you’re faster, get ahead of them safely and continue on your way. No reason to let them hold you up. A final tip is to bring a gopro to analyze your own laps, compare them with other’s, and find areas to improve. A second set of eyes is easily one of the most overlooked strategies to improve. --------------------------------------------------------------- How to win karting How to go fast karting Karting tips Go kart tips How to get better lap times karting How to beat your friends karting Karting tips for beginners Karting tips and tricks Karting racing -------------------------------------------------------------- #kartingtips #kartracing #karting ]]> Sun 16 Jan 2022 12:05:46 +0200 https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16962/how-to-win-go-karting-tips-from-a-professional-driver-kart-racing-for-beginners2/ https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16967/onboard-hot-lap-guide-cota-karting-austin-tx/
(53.3s) 2022 LAYOUT HOTLAP: https://youtu.be/nx1JIZcuFpo Check out my video on kart racing basics here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBXktNg_1M0&t=123s In this video, I share my top tips for running fast laps at COTA Karting!! The lap analyzed in this video was: 55.558s. Although it isn't quite lap record territory, this is sure to put you on track for competition-ready times. The track is constantly evolving and modifications in the placements of curbs, barriers, etc. affect times regularly. For reference, my fastest-ever time is a 53.3s lap on the configuration in January 2022. Anything is possible, and there's always more to learn. Enjoy!! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Creating and publishing this video means a lot to me. I remember several years ago as a young aspiring racer searching the internet for any bit of information I could use to learn about my local track. I was shocked when I came up empty handed. Ever since I've dreamed of filling that void with a video of my own to inspire other young drivers that want to begin karting, especially those that struggle financially and every second of seat-time counts. I hope this video will reach those who can use it most!! I'm so thankful to be in the position I am today and truly living my 12 year-old self's dream. To all those that have supported me, Thank You. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsor/business inquires: epalosh@icloud.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow me on Instagram: @epalosh.racing ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transcript!!! :) The track begins here at the start-finish line. Coming out of the last turn, you should be “right of center” of the track, not quite fully wide, so that you can set up well for turn 1. Coming past the start finish line, slide over to the left side of the track to set up for turn 1. On some days, this area can get bumpy, so if it is you can enter this corner a little further right. Done correctly, this turn should be flat out, and should hug right up to the curbs on the inside. Coming into turns 2 and 3, stick all the way to the right to maximize your exit. This corner is essential because it leads to the longest straight on the track! You can let off a little if your kart has trouble turning, or in some you can take it flat out. Turn in and get the kart rotated to hug the inside for a relatively late apex. It’s important to keep the kart smooth and keep sideways movement to a minimum. Remember to use all of the track!! On the exit, continue to keep it tight and get the kart pointed forward while fanning out so you don’t lose momentum. Down the straight, try to keep wheel movement to a minimum and let the kart do its work. Coming into turn 4, creep onto the red to maximize every inch of track available. Don’t brake just yet, and turn in to apex like usual. Stick to the left side of the track on exit. Coming in to turn 5, I like to hit the brakes a little to help get the kart rotated, and get immediately back on the throttle before apexing. A late apex here sets you up beautifully for the next few corners. However, overshooting it is very consequential and you can lose a lot of time. It’s important to slow down enough to make this corner. Coming into turns 6 and 7, continue going flat out and try to keep the kart as straight a possible. Use all of the track available to maximize your line. Coming into the turn 8 hairpin, stick all the way to the right on entry, either let off slightly or dab the brakes, and apex right up to the curb. You can see that on this lap, I overshot the exit just a little bit, so try to keep it a little more tidy on the exit than I did. Coming up through turn 9, try to turn the wheel as little as possible and continue to use all the track available to maximize your speed. Now into my favorite section of the track, turns 10,11,and 12. Although it’s technically 3 corners, it kind of blends into one. Hug the barriers to the left on entry, and turn in once you’re on the curb. Again, you can let off or lightly hit the brakes to get the kart rotated easier. Apex right to the curbs on the inside and keep the exit tidy. You can see I carried just a wee bit too much speed into the corner and had a little bit of oversteer at the apex which can scrub speed, so try to avoid that. Approaching turns 13 and 14, flat out, keep it tight and turn just enough to make the corner without sliding. Fanning right and cutting back here is slower than just keeping it tight. Turn 15 is a simple flat out 90 degree turn, so use all the track and apex close to the barrier, and remember to be just “right of center” on the exit. #karting #kartracing ]]> Sun 20 Jun 2021 12:06:39 +0200 https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16967/onboard-hot-lap-guide-cota-karting-austin-tx/ https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16958/how-to-win-go-karting-tips-from-a-professional-driver-kart-racing-for-beginners/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------- UPDATED KARTING TIPS VIDEO: https://youtu.be/SBXktNg_1M0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome! This video goes over the fundamentals of driving fast on the kart track! Aimed mostly at beginners, these tips should be helpful to get you started in the world of competitive karting. Enjoy! -Ethan ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transcript! :) Arguably the most important concept to understand in the world of kart racing - is the racing line. Now what is the racing line you might ask? The racing line is the path around the track that will allow you to carry the most speed throughout the corners. Many believe that the fastest way around the track is the shortest distance, like when running. However, this is NOT the case. In racing, the fastest line is the path that allows for the least amount of turning, and the largest radius so you can carry the most amount of speed. Here is a look at what the racing line looks like from a top down view. The line begins on corner entry, where the kart is positioned on the outside edge of the track. As the corner progresses, you should aim towards the apex, or the center of the corner, and then finally ending at the far edge of the track on corner exit. To see this concept in action, let’s take a look at some onboard footage from one of my League events at COTA Karting here in Austin. As you can see, as I start on the outside edge of the track approaching the corner. As the corner progresses, I move in towards the apex, and swing wide and use all the track on exit. Now that we know the racing line, I have 5 great tips to ensure you are maximizing your speed while driving. 1. DO NOT DRIFT. Drifting is slow. No matter how cool it may look or feel, drifting is the fastest way to ruin a lap. The wheels are designed to move in a forward direction. Anything other than that is slower, and should be avoided. 2. Keep your steering movements smooth. Jerking the wheel around scrubs speed into corners, and can upset the balance of the kart. Only steer just what is necessary to avoid losing time, and keeping your steering fluid will help you stay in control. 3. Use the brake when necessary. Even the best drivers in the world have to be masters at slowing down. Use your brakes in a straight line when coming up to a turn to avoid spinning out. Remember, sometimes feeling slower is actually the fastest way around the track. 4. Use all the track available. A common mistake new drivers make is not making use of every inch of available space along the track. You can find seconds of time by sticking just a few feet closer to the edge of the track along the racing line. For example on this turn, you can see I am right up against the barriers on the right, come right up to the barriers on the left, and use all of the track on the exit. On this turn, you can see I creep off the outside edge of the track to gain a bit of an advantage on entry to maximize every bit of space I can. 5. Stay away from slow drivers. If someone is holding you up, pass them quickly and safely. It’s in your best interest to safely move around them so you can continue going fast. On another note, if someone faster than you is behind, let them through!! Stay close behind and study the way they take the turns. The best way to get faster is to learn from others on the track. If you have a GoPro or action camera, bring it with you. Some tracks may have different rules about what is allowed, but generally it’s a good idea to record your race footage and watch it back later on to see where you can improve. You can also compare it side by side with faster people to see what to do differently. Alright guys so that’s it! The beginner’s guide to going fast on track. If you learned something from this video, please consider leaving a like down below! It really helps me out and shows me that you enjoyed the video. If you want to see more karting videos like this or learn about my racing as a club driver, check out my channel below, and hit that subscribe button to keep up to date with my latest videos. If you have any karting tips of your own, feel free leave them down in the comments! This is a great way for you to share your knowledge with others. Finally, if you would like a more advanced driving technique video, let me know and I would be happy to make one for all of those seasoned drivers out there looking to maximize every millisecond. Anyway guys, that’s it! Like and subscribe, and I’ll see you in the next one. Peace! --------------------------------------------------------------- How to win karting How to go fast karting Karting tips Go kart tips How to get better lap times karting How to beat your friends karting Karting for beginners #karting #kartracing #kartingtips ]]> Thu 18 Feb 2021 11:25:06 +0200 https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/16958/how-to-win-go-karting-tips-from-a-professional-driver-kart-racing-for-beginners/ https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/17493/can-an-f1-test-driver-break-a-karting-lap-record/
Have you ever wondered how quick professional racing drivers are at karting? Can they beat a lap record around a normal, public track? Well wonder no more as F1 test driver Jack Aitken is put through his paces at Reading Teamsport. https://www.team-sport.co.uk/ Make sure you follow Jack's social channels using the links below. SUBSCRIBE to WTF1 http://bit.ly/WTF1Subscribe Visit Our Shop: http://bit.ly/2tepK1e ----- Follow WTF1 ----- Subscribe to WTF1: http://bit.ly/WTF1Subscribe On our website: http://www.wtf1.com On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wtf1official On Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/wtf1official On Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/wtf1official - ---- Follow Jack Aitken ----- Subscribe to Jack Aitken Racing: http://www.youtube.com/user/JackAitke... On his website: http://www.jackaitken.com On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jaitkenracer On Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jaitkenracer On Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jaitkenracer ----- Music provided by ----- Epidemic Sound http://www.epidemicsound.com ]]> Fri 23 Aug 2019 00:20:57 +0200 https://www.gnarpowpow.com/videos/17493/can-an-f1-test-driver-break-a-karting-lap-record/